Lot 186

THE BERKELEY COLLECTION OF GEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS AND 'GRAND TOUR' SOUVENIRS, ASSEMBLED IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000 GBP

Lot Sold:5,625GBP

Description

THE BERKELEY COLLECTION OF GEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS AND 'GRAND TOUR' SOUVENIRS, ASSEMBLED IN THE 19TH CENTURY

a large collection some polished or part polished and some from ancient sites including fragments of tesserae one labelled Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli, a section of porphyry labelled Baths of Caracalla, many fragments with typed and manuscript labels including samples of mosaic and Grand Tour souvenirs in the form of impressed lava one with LAVA DEL VESUVIO DEL 1 APRILE 1820 / CAVAT DAL LUCA DELLA TORRE, a fragment of fresco, a polished fossilised tree section, three flint Neolithic tools, a stone labelled Lapis Renalis (Kidney Stone) Taken at Weymouth / After the Tempest / Nov 23 1824 and many other agates, jaspers etc. contained within a Victorian brass-mounted crossbanded mahogany campaign stationary box

Condition Report

A fascinating group. Condition as to be expected (from long term store). Some labels detached, some soiled and hard to read. Historic and more recent chips to some specimens. Mahogany box with old marks and scratches.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Saleroom Notice

Please note that this lot will remain at New Bond Street after the sale.

Provenance

Robert Berkeley (1764-1845); Robert Berkeley (1794-1874) and Robert Martin Berkeley (1823-1897)

Literature

Inventory, 1893, in the Museum Room (listed with lots 216 and 217)

Catalogue Note

For a similar collection of Grand Tour souvenirs see Christie's, South Kensington, 7 February, 2001, lot 338.